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[2] Game of Ours
🕑 Added 2025-06-15 15:06:33 +0000 UTC(Riven POV – Orario Streets)
'Was I just lucky?'
I had just woken up, and have already run into one of the main characters.
'Given her desperation and lack of a Familia, this must be before canon, but after her being kicked out by Hephaestus. Probably two months before Bell arrives in Orario.' I reason.
Hestia practically skips ahead, dragging me along by the hand. She’s... really short, but her grip is surprisingly strong for someone her size.
I can't tell exactly how tall I am since this isn't my original body... that much I know. My perspective’s different, slightly higher, and even hands look unfamiliar. 'I’ll need to check my appearance properly later.'
But what truly concerns me—what should bother me—is how calm I feel.
No fear, wonder or even excitement at suddenly being thrust into another world.
'Is this a trauma response from being betrayed by my best friends? Maybe even from having killed Denny? Or is it a side effect of being transmigrated?'
Even now, in a world of gods and monsters, I feel detached. Numb. I’m aware of emotions, but they feel muted. It's like I'm detached from the world.
I catch several stares from passing adventurers. Some look surprised, others almost shocked.
'So my appearance stands out. Good to know.' Whether it's in a good way, or bad way, I'll find out soon enough. But at least I'm not getting any looks of disgust.
'Did I at least get the skills I asked for? Great Sage?' I call out internally.
Silence.
'Either I didn’t get it... or I need the Falna to unlock any of my skills.' I sigh. Hopefully it’s the latter... otherwise, things become a lot harder.
'I wasn't expecting to feel hope.' I note. 'So I’m not completely emotionless, or better yet, recovering.'
Eventually, we come to a stop in front of a weathered building.
“This is our home!” Hestia announces with a dramatic flourish, arms wide and smile proud.
I blink.
It’s a church, or once was. The white bricks are faded, moss clings to the outer walls, and several windows are either cracked or outright missing. Whatever paint is left is peeling off the walls.
It looks like it hasn’t been touched in years.
She fidgets, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. “It might not be the best, but it gets the job done.” She says quickly. “It has character and lots of spirit!”
I look at her.
Then at the church.
Then back at her, watching as she tries to act confident despite being scared I'd change my mind.
“Are we going inside?” I ask with a smile.
Her face lights up instantly, and she thrusts her chest out with confidence. “Of course! You get the grand tour from your Goddess! VIP treatment!” She flashes a wide grin and snatches my hand again, pulling me through the creaking double doors like an excited child.
Inside, the main hall still retains some of its solemn grace. Rows of worn pews stand in silence. Dust particles swirl in the air from out intrusion.
But Hestia pays it no mind. “Come on, come on... this way!”
She leads me straight to the altar, kneels beside the base, and begins yanking at a loose set of planks.
“Let me.” I step forward, crouch beside her. “You’re about to become my goddess, right? I should help.”
Her blue eyes widen a little—genuinely touched. “Hehe... You’re already so reliable.” She says, patting my back as I lift the planks and reveal the hidden hatch underneath.
Together, we descend.
The basement is small and a bit cramped, but warm light from wall lanterns brings it to life as Hestia lights them one by one. There’s a narrow bed against the wall, a couch pressed into the corner with a table in front of it, and a single stool beside the bed.
“It’s cozy.” I say.
'As expected of a Goddess of the hearth, domestic life, and family.'
She spins around with her hands on her hips, beaming. “Yup! Not bad, right? We'll be sharing this room!” Her pride is genuine.
Then she points at me dramatically. “Now, take off your shirt!”
I blink. “That's sudden.”
Her finger doesn’t waver. “It's so I can engrave your Falna! Hurry up!” She says impatiently, but her excitement is tangible.
I pull my shirt over my head and toss it aside. Her eyes go a little wide. Then she freezes as she stares at me, occasionally gulping down saliva
“You’re drooling.” I say flatly.
“H-Huh?!” She slaps both hands over her mouth, cheeks burning. “I-I am not!”
I smirk slightly. “You weren’t. But you looked like you might if I stayed quiet.”
Her face turns cherry red. She points at me with a trembling hand. “Y-You... you meanie!!”
I watch in mild amusement as she stomps her foot, fists shaking in outrage.
But then she takes a deep breath. Forces a serene smile.
“Let’s engrave your Falna.” She says sweetly. Too sweetly, even as her eye twitches, and her hands remain clenched into fists.
I lay down on the couch without a word, pretending not to notice her thirst for vengeance.
I feel a weight as she climbs onto my back, straddling my waist like it’s the most natural thing in the world. I feel her shift slightly, then tug off her gloves.
‘Should I say she’s heavy?’ I think, entertained by the idea. She’s not, but I her reactions are amusing. 'It's the closest I've got to excited since I woke up.'
But ultimately, I let it go for now. She's already waiting to smack me.
She pricks her finger with a needle, and I feel a warm drop of blood land between my shoulder blades. It spreads like ink across my skin, and for the first time since waking up—
—I feel something within me unlocking.
'Falna affects the soul, right? So is it unlocking my skills, since the anime never mentioned any sensations like this?'
[Answer: The acquisition of a Falna has unlocked the Unique Skills: "Great Sage", "Predator" and "IronHeart".]
I blink in surprise, not having expected a response, and let out a sigh of relief.
'That's Great Sage, right?'
What else could it be?
[Answer: Yes.]
My lip twitches slightly. I was expecting either no answer, or something... longer I guess?
'But at least I got the skills... Which means I'm not screwed in terms of potential.'
But how these skills will interact with Falna is beyond me. I just need to wait for Hestia to finish reading my status.
'Speaking of Hestia...' I look back, only to find her frantically reading my status while trembling nervously.
"Is something wrong?" I ask, already having guessed the issue.
She practically jumps in surprise at my voice. "N-no... Nothing's wrong." She says, her voice shaky. "You've just... got an amazing status."
I nod, choosing to let her take it at her own pace.
I watch her take a status sheet, and lay down while she copies my status onto it. She climbs off of me, with a serious look on her face.
"Riven." She says seriously. "Don't let anyone know about your skills, alright?"
I nod, already understanding the shit I'd be in if my skills, whatever effects they have, were exposed.
"Don't worry, I understand. It'll cause a lot of problems, right?" I ask, and Hestia nods gravely, before handing me the paper.
——————————
<STATUS>
Name: Riven Alaric
Level 1
Strength: I0
Endurance: I0
Dexterity: I0
Agility: I0
Magic: I0
<Development Ability>: None
<Magic>: None
<Skills>:
***
"Great Sage": A high-tier cognitive support skill. Grants the user enhanced thought processing, parallel computation, memory storage, and predictive analysis in combat. Capable of rapidly interpreting new data, analyzing enemy abilities, and calculating optimal actions in real time.
— Thought Acceleration: Allows the user to greatly increase the speed of their thought process. The user can adjust the level of acceleration as needed, up to a maximum of 1000x, as well as extend the effect to other individuals.
— Analytical Appraisal: Releases waves that enter the target of analysis and perform a full scan of their composition, which is then sent back to the user. Through this, the user can gain information such as the material composition of the target, theor statuses, and if they're under the effects of Skills or Magic.
— Parallel Calculation: Allows the user to carry out multiple thought processes simultaneously.
— Chant Annulment: Eliminates the need for chanting when using magic after a spell is analyzed or successfully cast. The spell is stored in the user's mind and available to be instantly cast just by thinking about its activation.
— All of Creation: Allows the user to comprehend anything as long as they have a basic understanding of it and it is perceivable to the user.
***
"Predator": An absorption-based skill that allows the user to consume other creatures or substances entirely. Upon consumption, the skill breaks down the target and analyzes its properties.
— Predation: Absorbs the target into Stomach. However, if the target is conscious, the success rate greatly decreases. Valid targets include, but aren’t limited to; organic matter, inorganic matter, skill effects, magic, and exelia.
— Analysis: The absorbed target is studied and analyzed. Craftable items can then be produced. If the required materials are present, duplicates can be produced. In the case of successful skill or magic analysis, the same technique can be acquired if compatible with the user's biology.
— Stomach: A metaphysical space where all eaten or absorbed targets are stored. Items produced via Analysis can also be stored. Anything stored in the Stomach is not affected by the passage of time.
— Isolation: Harmful materials or unnecessary for analysis can also be stored. They will be used to replace magic energy.
***
"IronHeart": A mental skill that suppresses emotion, heightens pain tolerance, and renders the user immune to psychological status effects.
— Emotion Dulling: Suppresses core emotions such as empathy, guilt, compassion, and joy.
— Fear Nullification: Immune to fear in all forms, including mind-altering magic, and instinctive terror.
— Pain Nullification: All forms of pain are nullified. Damage is still incurred and recognised, but the user will not feel any pain.
— Mental Manipulation Immunity: Provides immunity to all forms of external mental effects.
***
——————————
‘That explains a lot... especially why I haven’t been feeling emotion like normal.’
I glance back at Hestia. She’s still looking at me, eyebrows furrowed, her lips pressed into a worried pout. She’s clearly concerned about the IronHeart skill too.
“I’m fine.” I say, preempting her next words. “It’s not like the skill makes me completely emotionless. I still feel things, albeit less than I'm used to.”
After a second, she lets out a slow breath and slumps back with exaggerated relief, probably having confirmed I wasn't lying. “Geez, you scared me for a second! I knew something was wrong with you, and then bam—an emotional suppression skill?! That’s not normal!”
I shrug. “Does it bother you that I'm not normal? Do you regret it?” I ask curiously.
Her eyes narrow at me and she folds her arms and turns away. "Hmph! As if I'd care about stuff like that. I knew you were weird from the start, and as long as you're okay, I don't care! You're my family now. I'll never regret that."
I smile. “I'm so touched by your words, that I'm overflowing with emotion.” I say sincerely, and a bit jokingly.
Despite that, my words are genuine.
She lights up, clearly very proud of herself, before realisation sets in. She frowns at me, then glares at me angrily.
“Wait a second...” She says slowly, squinting at the sheet. "Your skill suppresses emotion..."
'Oh? She's catching on.' I smirk even more.
"You tricked me!" She looks at me incredulously. "Is this how you treat your Goddess?!" She yells angrily, and I can already see her getting ready to tackle me.
I shrug. "You can tell I wasn't lying." I say with a smirk. "Even if my emotions are suppressed, I'm still feeling something, which speaks volumes."
'At the very least, I'm being sincere. Messing with her is just a bonus.'
I really do feel happy that she considers me family. At the very least, I know I can trust Hestia. She is the Goddess of Family.
She eyes me suspiciously, then huffs. “Hmph. You better not be lying again. I can tell, you know.”
“I know. You act as if lying to tease you is all I do.” I roll my eyes.
Her cheeks puff up in irritation, and she points an accusing finger. “It is!”
I don’t answer. Instead, I stretch a little and glance around.
“I guess the pain resistance is why I didn’t feel anything when you sat on me earlier.”
Her eye twitches. Slowly.
“What?” she says flatly.
“Oh, I didn’t mean to say that out loud.” I reply, feigning shock. “It’s rude to talk about a girl’s weight.”
The effect is instant. Her face goes red. “Riven!!”
Before I can dodge, she launches herself at me like a ballistic missile, pushing my onto the couch, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me with surprising strength for someone so tiny.
“How dare you! I am not heavy! I’m petite and perfectly proportioned!”
“I never said you weren’t.”
“But you implied it!”
“I really didn’t mean to say it out loud.” I repeat sounding as though I've been dealt an injustice.
She lets go of me and slumps onto my lap, sniffling in misery. “So you do think I’m fat...”
I stare at her and frown, feeling slightly bad. Only slightly, but I don't like the feeling.
‘Did I overdo it?’
[Answer: It is likely that the Goddess Hestia is already aware of this, due to her ability to detect lies, and is attempting to emotionally manipulate you to repay you teasing her.]
I blink, unable to believe I fell for it.
‘Thanks for the heads-up, Great Sage.’
[Answer: You are welcome.]
I look down at Hestia again, who’s now making tiny fake sobbing sounds with her face buried against my legs. Even her shoulders shake in time with her sobs.
I sigh. “I know you’re faking. You’d already know I was lying the moment I said it.”
Her head pops up immediately, and she looks at me with surprise and shock. “H-How?! My acting was flawless!”
“Sure.” I say plainly, reaching for my shirt. “It was an amazing performance. I was nearly in tears.”
“I'm not talking to you anymore.” She mutters, crossing her arms as she gets up and turns away from me. I pull my shirt over my head, and I don’t miss the regretful look in her eyes.
I ignore it.
‘Great Sage, is there a way to disable IronHeart?’
[Answer: There is no way to disable the skill once acquired.]
‘Figures. What about suppressing or removing the effects?’
[Answer: Insufficient data to reach a conclusion about suppressing skill effects. The most likely method is to evolve the skill.]
That actually makes me pause.
‘Can Falna even do that?’
[Answer: The skill IronHeart was originally part of the user’s soul, before acquiring Falna. Falna only allows access to the user's existing skills. It is possible to evolve it when the user does.]
I frown. ‘When I evolve? Are you saying... I can evolve?’
[Answer: It is possible for the user to become an enlightened human, Saint, and eventually divine human.]
‘Why?’
I'm not in the main world, so that shouldn't apply to me.
[Answer: Falna expands the user’s soul. This expansion mimics the process through which one reaches Enlightenment. In doing so, it allows for evolution.]
I nod slowly, digesting the information.
Three hours of conversation with Great Sage pass in ten seconds thanks to Thought Acceleration, while Hestia continues ignoring me.
"My Goddess." I call out to her, and she just huffs, turning her head away. I grin at this.
I pretend to sigh. "I'm sorry for upsetting you. I'm sure a kind, beautiful, and magnanimous Goddess such as yourself, will forgive me?"
She freezes, and I see a small smile forming on her lips. She turns to me, trying to appear serious, before exhaling loudly. “I guess I have to. You’re my first Familia member, after all.”
'I like this game of ours.' I think.
Even if she can tell I'm lying and playing with her, she plays along. That brings a smile to my face.
“Your only Familia member." I correct, earning me a glare. I just laugh. "Don't worry. Even if alone, I'd be enough. I won’t let you down.” I say sincerely.
She blinks at me, caught off guard by my sudden sincerity.
“...Well,” she says with a huff, cheeks dusted pin., “You better not. You’re the entire foundation of the mighty Hestia Familia now! So don’t go slacking off.”
I nod solemnly. “I’ll do my best to carry all that weight... without mentioning yours again.”
“Riven!!” She screams, and charges me again.
I grab her arms, even as she struggles, laughing the entire time.
*************
A/N: Hello Everyone. So yeah, this is chapter 2. Kind of an info dump, especially the status section, but overall necessary. Nothing I can do about that.
Anyway... Plans can't adapt to the changes. I planned to have him be much more sociopathic, but a lot of stuff has to be considered. The skill was because of some words he said, not an inherent, fundamental change to never trust again. So making him someone distrustful like that is a bit much. I kinda wanted that initially, since it's what I'm comfortable writing, but Nah! I'll write what feels right. Follow my heart and all that nonsense, lol.
Do keep in mind, not everything written in the skill descriptions is everything. There are limitations (quite reasonable and don't really need him, so don't worry), that he'll discover on his own. As well as some other features that aren't explicitly mentioned in the skill description, like great sage being able to talk (there's more too).
What do you guys think of the dynamic between him and Hestia? I'm going for a more chill, MC this time around, and he's more for humour and fun. He's emotionally numb, so he kinda seeks thrills and things he finds entertaining, like teasing Hestia.
There's also the fact that despite being emotionally numb, he still feels, reacts and behaves like a normal person. He feels emotions, recognises them, but not strongly enough for them to affect his decision (suppress rather than eliminate), with string emotions breaking through.
There's a lot of fun hints hidden in the chapter that allude greatly to future events, for anyone digging far enough, but it's all fun. I'm actually quite enjoying this book (even though I have to search far and wide for a lot of the specifics to a lot of things, like the trap door in the church. Not Info easy to just discover since I have to go through the manga manually). And it's kind of liberating, since Kata has to be kinda perfect, and serious, even if healing slowly, to write someone more free, open and fun?
Anyway, let me know what you guys think about the chapter. I'll be alternating between MHA and this fic for a bit. It's a nice break to jump between them from time to time.
Hope you all have a great day, as of what remains of it.
![[2] Game of Ours](https://img10.patrefans.com/storage/10/ck/wy/563145-019e907f-5441-74c6-a79d-3681d7cfc5cc.jpg)
Comments
AMV Weakly
I think Loki and him could be good friends. They'd probably try to trick each other. As for Freya... I don't know. Haven't thought that far💀 She's way to crazy for me to predict without further research🤣
pEmKayS
I like the main character's abilities and personality If he is looking for fun and thrills, then in fact he will be doing the same as the local gods. Only with them as victims) I can imagine how he will tease the same Freya and Loki!)
pEmKayS
There are enough of them that Hestia really doesn't need other family members.In fact, these skills are cooler than the abilities of local gods. And Hestia understands this)
AMV Weakly
I'll just say this here. Does anyone else realise how crazily OP these skills are? Like, it's enough to boost a Familia to first place, just on his own. Is anyone thinking what I'm thinking 🤣
